Adventure may hurt you, but monotony will kill you.

April 4, 2016

The Convertible HDL: Run Safety, Stats, & Social Media

Like it or not, running and social media nearly go hand in hand these days. I of course am in the “like it” boat, as documenting my love for running on social media has given me some really killer opportunities, including this very blog you are reading right now. People love to share their passion for running with other runners, and being the year 2016, the easiest place to “share” that passion with literally millions of other people is on the world wide web.

Hop on to Facebook or Instagram and you will see (assuming you socialize with the running community) countless pictures of trails, roads, bike paths, sunsets, sunrises, and other things seen on a run. We simply love to share the beauty that we see on our run.

Now, brace yourself for a first world runner problem: sometimes this beauty and these sights are simply too amazing to not share. But “sharing” means physically stopping mid run to take a picture. Womp womp. For me, some runs, especially on a gorgeous day on a new trail, mean I’m breaking stride every few minutes to take a quick photo. I know it drives Geoff crazy, but hey, running & social media is kind of what I do.

Which brings us to the topic of this blog post…

As a writer in the running and fitness industry, I’m sent email pitches regarding kickstarter campaigns weekly. A lot of them are similar in nature, mileage tracking apps and things of that sort. Not often do I see something and think to myself “I WANT THIS TO HAPPEN, NOW.” But this one, this is something I cannot wait to get my hands on.

Meet The (forthcoming) Convertible HDL.

The Convertible HDL, created by PRRacer , is a headband that converts to a skull cap, that also carries a high definition camera and an LED headlamp that can illuminate even the darkest of runs. While wearable lights and cameras are not new, the Convertible HDL brings the devices together in an easy to use, comfortable to wear package. That’s right, no more fiddling around with your phone to capture the amazing trail you see in front of you.

The Convertible HDL offers three distinct features, each designed with the runner in mind:

Convertible: This is the lightweight, moisture wicking, fashionable headband that converts to a skull cap. Perfect for any climate, the skull cap is tucked away as a sweat wicking headband – and when the weather gets cooler, you can simply pull it up and over for extra warmth

HD: The camera allows you to capture your run in FHD (1920×1280) or HD (1280×720) format with still photo capability. In addition to video, you can take photos using single shot, burst mode, or time-lapse mode. In addition, the camera carries a GPS, altimeter, and accelerometer to capture all the vital statistics from your run.

L: The headlamp shines at more than 400 lumens, ensuring your path is clearly lit, during even the darkest runs. This high-powered light also makes it possible to catch clean video during dawn, dusk and nighttime runs – something no wearable camera offers.

All of the tech features – including the video camera, still camera and high-powered light – feature voice activation/recognition and are controlled with an easy-to-use app on your smartphone. Full analysis of your run and real-time data is collected from the on-board GPS and altimeter.

If you are following along, note that they have now put a beanie/headband, headlamp, camera, AND GPS watch into one product. Safety, stats, AND social media. AND it’s almost completely HANDS FREE.

Now, like any other Kickstarter project, the Convertible HDL actually ending up on my forehead and yours depends on financial contribution. There are a multitude of pledge options, but if you are truly interested in a Convertible HDL of your own, there are limited numbers of “early bird” pricing options to get your hands on one. Some of which are at nearly 50% off of the retail price. So if you want one, don’t delay, check out the Kickstarter NOW!

For being so awesome and checking out this post (and the Kickstarter) PRRacer has offered up a fun giveaway for my readers. One lucky reader will win:

To enter, comment below, letting us (me, the world, but most importantly, PRRacer) know what you like most about the Convertible HDL, *or* any feedback/suggestions. Because hey, it’s still in production, you never know where your feedback might show up.

Use the rafflecopter after you have commented for your official entry, as well as other ways to win. Contest ends 4/11/16. Open to US residents over the age of 18 with a valid email address. Prizes will be fulfilled by FitApproach/PRRacer. Good luck!

Hi, this is PRracer the creator of the Convertible. The headband is adjustable. We beliee we have created the best headband on the market. We have integrated an elastic strap to support the Smart headlamp and action camera module. You can tighten it up for as snug a fit as you would like. We have high tech sweat wicking material and reflective piping around the entire headband. The integrated, retractable skull cap has also been designed to provide an optimal fit. Our product designer has over 20 yeas of experience working with outdoor gear for REI and brooks. We still have early bird special offers remaining for $149. You add the cost of the individual components you can easily get to $500.

PRracer here. You will love the product. There will be no better way to share your runs. We are using hyperlapse technology to ensure a stable picture. 400 lumen is darn bright so filming in low light surroundings will be better than anything else on the market today. We still have early bird units available for $149. http://kck.st/1SyCKkR

I had never heard of this before today when I saw it on a few blogs. It is genius! I wish it were out in time to take on our American Odyssey relay race in a few weeks it would be so cool. Did you get to actually try it out?

I love this! I am all about taking pictures on my runs. I guess technically, stopping is a welcome break, but I would love the convince of having a camera right up there on my head. Also love the built-in headlamp!

That looks pretty cool! I love that there is a light on the front – keeps things lit up if you’re running in the dark. The camera would be awesome, too! My husband and I were talking about getting cameras to wear when we bike outside

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Meet Heather

I'm Heather, mom of two, ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist, and an overzealous athlete who cannot focus on a single discipline, so I train for all of them at the same time. When in doubt, I run...and then write about it. Read More…

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